Dear 7th Grade Student, My name is Mr. Merkt and I am the 7th grade homeroom teacher here at St. Joseph School. 7th grade is an important year in middle school and some of my favorite things that I teach about as a Social Studies teacher actually happen in 7th grade year. For example, I love teaching 7th graders about World War I and World War II. We will do such things as possibly create WWI Trench Warfare dioramas or put together a News Show that covers all of the important events of WWII---I’ve even been known to participate in WWII re-enactments (with foam balls of course). There is a lot more to look forward to aside from history in my class as we also talk about a lot of Current Events, learning about how and why things happen as well! You truly need to experience all of the fun we have in my classroom to appreciate it!In middle school, you move around the school to different middle school teachers throughout the day for your coursework. Some of the other exciting highlights in your core classes include:

Religion: Each quarter you will be exposed to a new subject area. During 7th grade you are introduced to The New Testament, Women of the Bible, Family Life 7, and The Acts & Paul's Journey.

Math: We move into using textbooks and notebooks this year as you study Pre-Algebra. You will become a bit more of an independent learner. There are many more expectations to help us grow as a math student. We touch on many topics from algebra to geometry. The best projects include creating a poster board of tessellations and building a model airplane.

Science: A highlight of 7th grade science is the Mammal Research Project. You will choose a mammal of interest and research the body structure, habitat, classification, and reproduction. With this information you will write a research paper, draw posters of the skeleton and internal organs, create a habitat diorama, and present all of your findings in a speech and presentation. It sounds like a lot of work, but students really enjoy this project and love being an expert on their mammal!

Language Arts: You will gain a greater understanding of grammar, improve your vocabulary, increase your reading comprehension, sharpen your writing skills and gain confidence with public speaking. A privilege of middle school is that when we do silent reading, you are allowed to take a rocker or a beanbag and put it anywhere in the room while reading. The joint Science/Language Arts research project on mammals is always a huge hit with 7th grade students too!

During the course of a week, you also have Phy-Ed, Music and Art! You will learn a ton during your 7th grade year and have a blast in the process!Blessings, -Mr. Nick Merkt, 7th Grade Homeroom TeacherMiddle School Social Studies and Religion Teacher

7th grade students complete a Science/Language Arts "Mammal Project", which includes a research paper, diorama, anatomical poster and an oral presentation in front of their class.

Bears are always welcome at school---as long as they are kept in dioramas!